Abstract

Science undermines the certitude of non‐naturalistic answers to the question of whether human life has meaning. I explore whether evolution can provide a naturalistic basis for existential meaning. Using the work of philosopher Daniel Dennett and scientist Ursula Goodenough, I argue that evolution is the locus of the possibility of meaning because it has produced intentionality, the matrix of consciousness. I conclude that the question of the meaning of human life is an existentialist one: existential meaning is a product of the individual and collective tasks human beings undertake.

Keywords

symbol, worldview, value, biology, science, existence, species, emergent functions, meaning, emergence, intentionality, philosophy, religion, significance, life forms, evolution, self‐consciousness, existentialism, organisms, naturalism, language, consciousness, purpose, reductionism, life

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